CRITICAL MEAT

I may have been attracted to the catchy band name and crazy song titles initially but it is immediately obvious upon playing this debut release from YOU SLUT! That they are more than just a gimmick. What they deliver is a highly developed experimental and energetic take on math rock with some post rock leanings with their asymmetrical time signatures, angular riffs, constant changes in tempo and highly complex and often dissonant guitar, bass and drum interactions. The best part about all this is despite being fairly technical in performance this British quartet seems to be fairly lighthearted insisting above all that they are here to have a whole lot of fun doing what they do and not at all take themselves too seriously.

CRITICAL MEAT is short as albums go and although it's not officially called an EP it seems more logical to call it such. However, it seems the perfect length since this band really crams a lot into their music. They match the intensity of a metal band here with their aggressiveness, their tightness and their eagerness to race to the next idea. A surprisingly entertaining album and with intriguing song titles like 'Cut & Shut By You Slut!,' 'Pie To The Death-Faced Indie Kid,' 'On-The Spot Tina Turner Fine' and 'Mybloodyjesusexploreronfire' how can i resist such musical morsels? I am always happy to find bands that have a sense of humor and when it's backed up by some seriously good musicianship it is a good thing indeed. Math rock with a metal attitude and a sprinkling of spaciness. Great stuff!

91/100

I too was first attracted by the catchy band name and didn't expect much but was floored upon my first listening. Aside from having a great imagination in song titles, these guys are awesome musicians. But not only do they pack a lot when it comes to complex riffs, crazy time signatures and cunning transitions, the music they play sounds great. It's catchy -- just listen to the intro riff of 'Pie to the Death-Faced Indie Kid' that I must listen to everyday from now on and you'll see what I mean -- I love their sound, part-alternative, part-punk, part-metal, part-prog, part-their own, that seems a bit of a joke -- it's like Primus but more accessible -- they have a great share of feel -- since they play with a great dose of fun their music is fun to listen to -- and on top of all they add a sprinkle of psychedelia to their compositions, taking you from heavy riffs and crazy percussions to gliding sonic waves.

Spanning over less than half an hour, this album still feels like it has no weak spots, taking you from a crazy riff to another with cunning musicianship. Truly a great addition to anyone who likes metal's aggressiveness but regret its heaviness.